The Diocese
Posted: 11/25/2020
Beloved,
It is in times like these where our faith is challenged the most. The world is battling a global pandemic. We are sons and daughters of a nation with open wounds trying to take the first steps toward recovery from a massive war. Families are in mourning. Tens of thousands of refugees are seeking help. This is our reality. "What must we be thankful for?" one may ask.
It is only human nature to seek answers. As faithful, we seek answers in scripture. In his Epistle to the Philippians, St. Paul writes "Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6).
"The peace of God, surpasses all understanding," writes St. Paul. As humans, we can attempt to define, rationalize, analyze and explain. However, we must fill a void in our hearts and souls. And that void is the peace of God.
Instead of criticizing, let us console and comfort. Instead of blaming, let us heal. Instead of ordering and commanding, let us beseech.
We wish you a blessed Day of Thanksgiving.
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
Primate
